Cats Jellicle Ball Cast Details
The cast of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" shared in-depth perspectives on their characters and creative process ahead of the April 7 opening at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre. The behind-the-scenes look gives theater fans insight into this high-profile production's development. The show represents a major reimagining of the classic musical for contemporary audiences.
This reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical is heavily inspired by the vibrant and competitive world of LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, which originated in New York City. The production reframes the narrative as a fierce ball where contestants, or "houses," compete in categories like fashion, dance, and performance to win the ultimate prize: a new life. The creative team is led by co-directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, with co-choreographers Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles, who are notable figures in the New York City Ballroom scene. This production marks the Broadway debut for choreographers Lyons and Wiles, infusing the show with authentic ballroom elements like voguing and runway walking. The cast features a mix of Broadway veterans and performers from the ballroom community. Tony Award winner André De Shields will portray the wise patriarch Old Deuteronomy. He is joined by performers such as Junior LaBeija, a figure from the iconic ballroom documentary "Paris is Burning," as Gus. This production of "Cats" had a critically acclaimed, sold-out Off-Broadway run at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) in the summer of 2024 before transferring to Broadway. The move to the larger Broadhurst Theatre signifies a major step for this re-envisioned classic. The original Broadway production of "Cats" opened in 1982 and ran for a remarkable 18 years, becoming one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. This version is the first significant departure from the original staging in over 40 years, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known musical. The Broadhurst Theatre, which opened in 1917, has been home to numerous notable productions over the years. Recent shows at the venue include "A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical," "Jagged Little Pill," and "Anastasia."
